A/HRC/38/17 capacity of the Criminal Police Directorate to combat human trafficking was being boosted through a specialization programme for inspectors. In addition, a centre providing protection for victims of trafficking had been established, the aim of which was to ensure the best interests and safety of victims and cooperation with social work centres, the police, public prosecutors’ offices, courts and citizens’ associations. 28. The Serbian Constitution and laws guaranteed the full freedom of the media and prohibited censorship, in accordance with international and European standards. Journalists were accorded the same formal protection under the criminal law as the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, members of the Government, Constitutional Court judges, judges, public prosecutors, deputy public prosecutors, lawyers and police officers. 29. Under the amendment to the Criminal Code of 2012, consideration was given to whether an act of hatred was committed based on race or religion, national or ethnic affiliation, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. 30. Serbia remained committed to making further progress in the process of democratization, fulfilment of its international obligations and achievement of the highest standards, especially in the field of human rights. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 31. During the interactive dialogue, 74 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 32. Ireland commended progress on the protection of journalists and freedom of expression. In the light of the persistent homophobia and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, Ireland called on Serbia to make provision in law for same-sex civil partnership and marriage. It noted the difficulties faced by members of minorities in terms of access to education, health care and accommodation, despite efforts to combat discrimination against them. 33. Italy welcomed efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law, including the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. It commended the provision of training on human rights and non-discrimination for public officers, and the commitment of Serbia to combating corruption. 34. Kyrgyzstan welcomed the fact that Serbia had strengthened its national legislative framework, ratified several human rights instruments and adopted policies on human rights. 35. Latvia acknowledged the progress made on respecting human rights, but noted with concern the lack of implementation of the law on gender equality, and the prosecution of journalists and members of civil society. 36. Lebanon commended Serbia for its efforts to promote the human rights of its citizens, combat hate crime and promote tolerance. 37. Maldives welcomed the measures being taken to combat domestic violence and to improve the status of women. It commended the strategy that had been adopted to ensure the rights to a healthy environment, water and sanitation. 38. Mexico acknowledged the establishment of the Council for Monitoring the Implementation of the Recommendations of the United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms, and the Action Plan for the Realization of the Rights of National Minorities. 39. Mongolia praised the legal and institutional progress made on human rights, and the commitment of Serbia to children’s rights, including with regard to birth registration and corporal punishment. It encouraged Serbia to implement the Law and the National Strategy on the Prevention of Domestic Violence. 40. Montenegro welcomed the progress Serbia had made in terms of human rights, particularly its strengthened legal framework. It expressed concern about violence against 5